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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team of press officers in a fast-paced media environment.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice, a key player in shaping national news and policy.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive team culture, hybrid working options, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on justice issues while developing your leadership and media skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in media relations and team leadership is essential; government communications experience is a plus.
- Other info: Family-friendly organisation welcoming applications from parents and caregivers.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
From keeping drugs out of prisons and cutting crime, to overhauling sentencing laws and improving support for victims – the Ministry of Justice is one of only a handful of Government departments that can truly dominate the news agenda. We\’re looking for a Chief Press Officer to join the team.
About the role
You will lead a team of press officers on one of our exciting briefs – which could include Prisons; Probation; Courts & Law; or Justice & Victims; or our busy, reactive Newsdesk.
Wherever you end up you will be part of a team responsible for delivering a high-quality, 24/7 media relations operation for Ministers, Executive Agencies and officials across the full range of the department’s brief.
Day to day, you will drive your team to seek creative ways to generate media coverage, while taking a front-footed approach to managing the risk of criticism. MoJ is a busy department and much of the work is fast-paced and under pressure. As well as leading on high-profile media issues, you will be expected to develop and coach your team to help them perform at a high standard and continue improving.
You will be expected to hit the ground running, demonstrate your media instinct and show willingness to lead by example. Dynamism and positivity are a must. You’ll quickly become a trusted adviser to Ministers and Special Advisers. And you will bring ideas and energy as part of the senior management team, to help us maintain the high standards and excellent atmosphere in the office.
These roles can be demanding and you will be expected to bring drive and enthusiasm for both management and media handling, as well as press relations know-how and the ability to impress Ministers. But you will meet this challenge with the full backing of our extremely supportive team and you will be given everything you need to succeed and continue developing your skills and career. We place a huge emphasis on learning & development and have worked hard to develop an inclusive culture where everyone’s opinion and insight are treated as important.
Key responsibilities
The precise balance of responsibilities will depend on the role. However, you will be expected to:
- Play an active role in the senior management team – thinking about the wellbeing and capability of the whole office, as well as your own team. You will have the confidence to bring your own ideas and challenge others to ensure sound decision-making
- Act as a leader in the office – making considered decisions under pressure and giving confidence and clear direction. You will be expected to help the team understand your thought process and decision-making to help their own development
- Coach your team to bring out the best in their ability and drive their continued development through regular objective setting
- Manage a modern media team in developing proactive longer-term handling strategies that set the agenda across the full range of channels
- Help drive the use of evaluation and insight, and contribute to improving the Press Office’s understanding and use of digital communication and the changing media landscape
- Provide regular media-handling advice on policy briefs to the Lord Chancellor, Ministers, senior officials and colleagues on sensitive, complex and high-profile issues
- Develop strong relationships with journalists and brief them confidently and accurately, ensuring your team can do the same
- Anticipate and spot breaking news stories and drive your team to issue swift, robust and appropriate responses
- Encourage and facilitate collaboration with other MoJ communications functions, departments and agencies.
These posts are site-specific to London and will report to one of the Deputy Heads of News. You will be expected to adopt a hybrid working pattern including substantial time in the office each week. You will also be expected to participate in a management back-up rota for the out-of-hours duty press officers, for which significant additional payments are made. We are a family-friendly organisation, with a number of parents on the existing Senior Management Team, and welcome applications from parents and caregivers.
- You will have a sharp news sense, be politically savvy and possess excellent media skills garnered from relevant press office experience.
- You will have experience of leading others and be able to show evidence of driving high performance. You will have the ability to thrive under pressure, take tough decisions in your stride, and the credibility to instantly impress senior stakeholders, including Ministers.
- Experience of working in government communications is ideal, but not essential.
For a full job description and to apply, please CLICK HERE . #J-18808-Ljbffr
Chief Press Officer employer: www.grapevinejobs.co.uk - Jobboard
Contact Detail:
www.grapevinejobs.co.uk - Jobboard Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Press Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current issues and news stories related to the Ministry of Justice. Understanding the media landscape and recent developments will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in government communications or media relations. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others in the field, which can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing past experiences where you've successfully managed a team under pressure. Be prepared to share specific examples that highlight your ability to drive performance and foster development.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to crisis management and media handling. Think of scenarios where you've had to respond quickly to breaking news and how you ensured effective communication during those times.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Press Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Chief Press Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your media skills, leadership experience, and ability to thrive under pressure. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your capability in managing a press team and handling high-profile media issues.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the Ministry of Justice. Highlight your news sense, political savvy, and any relevant experience in government communications. Make sure to convey how you can contribute to the team and the department's goals.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread all documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your writing is clear and professional. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and commitment to quality.
How to prepare for a job interview at www.grapevinejobs.co.uk - Jobboard
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Chief Press Officer, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to coach and develop others.
✨Demonstrate Media Savvy
You need to have a sharp news sense and excellent media skills. Be ready to talk about your experience with media relations, including how you've handled breaking news stories and developed proactive communication strategies.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to make decisions under pressure. Think of specific scenarios where you had to manage a crisis or respond to criticism, and explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
The role requires collaboration with various departments and agencies. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively with other teams in the past and how you plan to foster collaboration within the Ministry of Justice.
